Country Home magazine

One of my favorite memories is attending the 2005 Country Home "Be Creative" event in New York City. My dear friend, Kerry met me in New York and we spent the day at design lectures, book signings and enjoying a perfect Fall day in Central Park. I had hoped that this event would hosted again, but I am sad to say that the magazine has ceased publication all together. The April 2009 issue that I received in the mail yesterday will be their last.

I have 74 back issues of Country Home in "The Reeves Library" (my linen closet) so at least I will be able to refer back to years of beautiful articles. I wanted you to know right away in case you'd like to print off favorite recipes etc. from their website - it is anyone's guess how long the online content will be available.

I'd like to say thank you to the editors of Country Home for publishing a glorious magazine. I have loved every page.

Hail the Hibiscus

I love the candy-like colors of tropical flowers. This beauty is a hibiscus, blooming easily in the Florida landscape. The bushes are usually loaded with flowers wafting in the breeze, relaxed, as if creating an 8-inch bloom wasn't a major accomplishment.

I usually see hibiscus blooming in some one's pretty landscaping. If I had a bush of my own, I would pluck a flower off the stem and tuck it behind my ear like a movie star in Hawaii.

I was thinking that I'd like a nail polish this color, wouldn't you?

Mermaids

Aren't these bubble beautiful?

This picture could be the inspiration for a folktale. Something about a mermaid washing her hair in the surf. The waves were churning just enough to create a foam. Simply gorgeous...

Deep Blue Sea

I have been drawn to the colors of the Atlantic lately. Turquoise, aqua, marine blue. These fishermen are spending the day soaking up the deep blue sea. I wonder what type of fish they caught...

Are you looking for a new way to serve fish? Broil a firm white fish with butter and lemon, then serve with homemade Pineapple Relish.

Pineapple Relish
Mix a jar of pineapple preserves, 1/4 cup chopped green onion, a few sprigs of fresh mint and 2 Tablespoons of rice vinegar.

Worth Avenue

There is nothing like spending the afternoon shopping Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida. The shops here are the best of the best (Dior, Pucci, Hermes), but what I really like is simply strolling the avenue soaking up the atmosphere. There are endless courtyards and outdoor "living rooms" designed to charm its guests with fountains, mirrored walls and lush plantings. Bougainvillea vines have climbed these walls for decades and accent the old buildings like raspberry curtains. Take a moment and imagine walking through this archway with me on a lovely afternoon...

Creme Brulee

Sometimes a sweet bite after dinner makes the evening complete. My husband loves creme brulee and we shared this gorgeous dessert at our anniversary dinner last year.

At home, I have made creme brulee for 12 by using a few Dean Jacobs' dessert kits. The ramekins, dessert mix, sugar crystals and torch are all included. Nothing says "party" like firing up a (culinary) blow torch in the kitchen. I'm not kidding - I think people like to try something new.

Imagine the stories later:
"I was at this terrific party last night...we laughed and talked and I got to use a torch after dinner!" Priceless.

Moments of Delight

This is my 500th blog post.

My name is Anne Reeves and I am an entrepreneur dedicated

to bringing the world Moments of Delight.

I am including the forward from my book to relay how I feel

on the day of this big achievement, my 500th post.

Thank you for reading.

Delight can be found by appreciating
what is right in front of you.
In a cupcake or a sunset.
in a wonderful story or a lavender field.
You can enjoy these moments in your life,
if you slow down and look for them.

I’ll show you and then you’ll start to see it.

This book combines gardening, crafting,

baking, collecting,
travel, story-telling and entertaining -
punctuated by my photography and
rolled into the state of mind I call delight.

As you read through this book, notice which pages you react to.
Notice how happy you feel, simply by thinking.

I find delight all over my life...
at different times of day,
in different cities and settings,
with people that I love and in strangers that I meet.

These are Moments of Delight...

Resort Collection

I have been designing jewelry that has a distinct resort wear feel. Beautiful pieces that are fun on their own, but put them with khakis and a pretty t-shirt and the cute comes into focus. These limited edition bracelets ($20) will be offered on my website www.momentsofdelight.com in March. Each piece is signed and will ship April 1st. You can place orders now in colorways: Pink Palm (top), Sea foam (left) and Surf (right). Stack 2 or 3 for a super cute effect.

Plan an Escape

Can you hear the quiet? I couldn't think of a nicer place to watch the sun go down than on this deserted beach. All the sunbathers have given up the sand in lieu of a Lilly Pulitzer dress, some pearls and an icy tropical drink. I was able to sneak in this moment before heading off to my own dinner reservation. Shrimp cocktail, anyone?

Orchids

There is something about an orchid that can elevate a room. For years, it has been my "go to" plant for February and March, when the living room needs a little something special.

The widely available Phalaenopsis variety blooms for months and needs very little care. I thought it might be helpful to link to the American Orchid Society. I had the pleasure of visiting (and photographing) their unbelievable collection last year in Delray Beach, Florida and the colors and patterns were astounding.

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope your heart is filled with happiness.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Vintage Valentines

Valentine's Day has always been my favorite holiday. My Mom loves it too and we would throw Valentine's parties for my friends (remember this post?) all through elementary and middle school. We wore red, played games, drank red punch and wore heart stickers on our cheeks. It was wonderful to celebrate together and I think my Mom is a genius for planning it all. So throughout my life, one way or another I "overdo it" around Valentine's Day and my friends know it.

My dear friend, Dana, surprised me this year with antique vintage valentines! Imagine my delight when I opened the envelope and found these treasures. They were manufactured in Chicago by Carrington & Co in the 1920's-1930's - wow. I am going to attach a magnetic pin back to one of them and wear it to my niece's 5th grade party today. Thank you, Dana, from the bottom of my heart.

12 Days of Valentine's Day
Day 11: Do something to make someone feel loved. Call a far-away friend, frame an old photo and put it in a place of honor, do what feels right.

Free Inspiration

I love magazines so much and my instinct is to reach for every issue on the newsstand, particularly around the holidays. Put cupcakes on the cover and I am a goner. It was around this time of year that I realized the genius of the library. If I could carve out 30 minutes or so to stop in the library, I was able to "flip through" every issue on the newsstand for free. I subscribe to tons of magazines and want to support them, but there are "more magazines than I can have" being published right now.

By visiting the library, I can check out the Sweetheart Cakes at Better Homes and Garden, winter travel destinations at Travel & Leisure and see some Valentine's projects in Country Home.

12 Days of Valentine's Day
Day 10: Check out your local library for some free inspiration.

I Love Cookies

This is my grandmother's sugar cookie recipe. Enjoy it and be sure to pass it on. Good recipes are meant to be shared.

Nama's Old Fashioned Rolled Sugar Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

2 Tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

Cream butter in mixing bowl. Beat in sugar, egg, milk & vanilla. Add flour, salt & baking powder. Mix well. Divide dough in half and wrap in waxed paper. Chill in refrigerator at least one hour. Use plenty of flour on board, rolling pin & cookie cutters to prevent sticking. Roll out dough 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Bake at 375 degrees on an ungreased cookie sheet (or use parchment paper) for 5-8 minutes.

Nama's Frosting

Mix 2 Tablespoons of hot water to 1 cup powdered sugar. Mix with knife. Tint with a drop or two of liquid food coloring.

Note: Using hot water makes the frosting shiny. Add drops of hot water as needed to perfect consistency.

12 Days of Valentines Day

Day 9: Make a batch of heart cookies and share with your neighbors.

Heart-shaped Pizza

Every year during the week leading up to Valentine's Day, Papa Romanos offers the "Love Pizza." It is a small heart-shaped pizza and I order one every year. For some reason it makes me very happy.

Want to make your own love pizza? It's easy with frozen pizza dough, Dei Fratelli pizza sauce and the toppings of your choice. Follow the pizza dough instructions and when the time comes, just shape it into a heart! You know they'll LOVE it. 

This photo is one that I took of a grocery store in Paris -doesn't it look like it is brimming with wonderful pizza toppings?

The Twelve Days of Valentines DayDay 8: Make or order a heart-shaped pizza.

Roses Are Red

I had a thought. Maybe this year, instead of a rose bouquet, you like a rose bush.

Wouldn't it be fun to pick out a beautiful rose from a catalog (or online) and then buy & plant it this Spring in honor of Valentine's Day? You'll have romantic roses in the garden all Summer long.

This is very romantic suggestion. You could choose any variety you want: "Falling In Love", "Truly Yours", "Summer Love."

Tape a picture of it on the refrigerator and look forward to bloom after bloom.

(This rose is a David Austin English Rose that was named after David's mother, Lillian Austin.)

The Twelve Days of Valentines Day
Day 7: Plan to have flowers in your life - either by picking up a bouquet at the grocery store or by planning a symbolic planting this Spring.

Crystal Heart Pendant

This time of year, it seems that every television commerical is for a heart-shaped pendant in a velvet box. Romantic gestures are lovely, but you can guarantee that you'll have something pretty around your neck if you make it yourself.

I designed this necklace to be simple, elegant and cost less than $11 to make. All the supplies you need can be found at Michael's Craft store:
1 metal chain in soft-gold by Fresh (you'll need 18 inches)
1 packet of "Golden Shadow" Jolee's Jewels crystal bicones
1 packet of gold-plated 3 inch head pins (you'll need only 1 pin)
1 packet of gold-plated 10 mm jump rings (you'll need only 2 jump rings)
A needle-nose pliers (with wire cutter in head)
Slide 20 crystals onto a head pin. After 20th crystal is on, use a needle-nose pliers to gently bend tip up a tiny bit (this will prevent crystals from sliding off). With your hands, start by gently bending the crystal-covered pin in the middle and then arch each end into a heart shape. Be slow and gentle. Now you have a heart.
Measure 18 inches of the chain. Wear safety goggles. Using the "wire cutter" portion of the needle-nose plier head, snip through the first link after 18 inches and the excess chain will fall away. Now your necklace is 18 inches long.
Using needle-nose pliers, bend open 2 jump rings. Place one ring through heart and then through the last link of the necklace, bend closed. Your crystal heart is now attached to chain.
Drape chain around your neck with the heart in the front. Slide second jump ring through heart and then through the last link of the necklace, bend jump ring closed with fingers. This jump ring works as the "clasp." (Over time, this jump ring may need to be replaced as it will be bent often as you take it on and off. Simply pull out a new jump ring from the packet you bought and replace as needed.)
Voila! A pretty heart necklace with almost no skill required.
The Twelve Days of Valentines Day
Day 6: Dig through your jewelry box and wear some love-inspired jewelry.

Heart-shaped Waffles

It is Day 5 of the Twelve Days of Valentine's Day! Time to break out the heart-shaped waffles and pancakes. We were given a heart-shaped waffle maker as an engagement present (17 years ago!) and it still works like a dream. My favorite waffle mix is Classique Fare Belgian Waffle Mix - you can find it in most specialty grocery stores and I think you'll agree, it is worth it. This batter also makes delicious heart-shaped pancakes - yum! Get out some pretty plates and dig in. I just know you'll love it.
The Twelve Days of Valentines Day
Day 5: Make heart-shaped waffles or pancakes this weekend.

Valentine Dishtowels

I bought three white & red dishtowels at IKEA ($.49 cents each!) and my first thought was to embroider my monogram on them with red thread. It would be really cute, right?

Then I realized that if I marked my plans with a red fabric pen it would look like hand-work, but be much more modern. Voila! Two minutes later I have a set of personalized Valentines dishtowels.

The Twelve Days of Valentines Day
Day 4: Get out your red, pink and heart-related dishtowels to brighten up the kitchen. Or better yet, make some of your own!

Meringue Cocoa Kisses

Have you ever baked meringue cookies? They are light and crunchy and use only 4 ingredients.
Heart-shaped Meringue Kisses
Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Using the whisk attachment on your mixer, beat 4 egg whites until bubbly and beginning to foam. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar and beat until very stiff and glossy. While whisking, slowly pour one cup of white granulated sugar and 1 Tablespoon Valrhona cocoa powder into the bowl until mixed.
Put batter into a gallon-size ziploc bag. Squeeze contents into one corner and fold bag so that it can be a "piping bag" for you. Trim off 1/4 inch of corner and squeeze batter in a small "V" shaped onto parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 275, then raise oven temperature to 300 and bake for approximately 10-20 minutes more. (Some meringue recipes call for baking at 175 degrees for 1 hour and 40 minutes, but my timing and temp works for me.) I bake one sheet at a time to avoid burning. Cookies should be dry and a little chewy on the bottom.
The Twelve Days of Valentines Day
Day 3: Bake heart-shaped cookies and eat them all week.

Making Valentines

This year I am using a quick & easy way to make my own Valentines. I am scanning a vintage Valentine (more than 100 yrs old), duplicating the image on a MS Word document and then printing them out on 8 1/2 x 11 heavy white card stock. I will then have a sheet of postcards that I can cut out, address and mail. USPS requires postcards to be between 5-6 inches in length and 3 1/2 - 4 inches in height. Postcards can be mailed with just $.27 in postage (a bargain, I think).

I'll write corny things like "I LOVE that we're friends" and mail them to friends
and relatives far and wide. Why not? It's the 12 Days of Valentine's Day!
The Twelve Days of Valentines Day
Day 2: Make a list of who you are sending Valentines to (that's Anne with an "e") and decide if you are going to make or buy this year. Then shop for what you need.

12 Days of Valentines Day

Today marks Day One, of the 12 Days of Valentines Day. For the next 12 days we will be celebrating love and friendship with color and creativity.











Here are some suggestions that might help you celebrate:

1. Gestures can be as big or small as you like
2. Recipients can be anyone you know - bake for a neighbor, leave a treat for the mailman, send a card to your college roommate. See what I mean?
3. Lots of food items look cute in a heart shape.
4. Wearing red & pink "counts" as celebrating. So does digging a heart necklace out of your jewelry box and wearing it.
5. Celebrating this way should make YOU (and everyone around you) feel good and light-hearted.

I will give you a suggestion here each day, but it is just to give you a nudge.
Won't you celebrate with me? The more you talk about it, the more others will be intrigued. "What was today?" they'll ask.

Day 1: Hang something Valentines-y on your front door.

Drama Queen

We were headed to our reservation at Kyma in Buckhead (for a delicious Greek dinner finished with Olive Oil ice cream!) when I saw her.

The store (next to Kyma) had an all-glass front filled with mannequins dressed to the nines. Behind the party-girls, you could see huge racks filled with peacock-colored gowns. I had to take a photograph. When I approached the glass, I nearly jumped out of my skin.

This drama queen was guarding the front door. For a girl made of plastic, I think she looks amazing.

Everything's a Picture

You know by now that I love to make little displays around the house. Over the years I have gathered quite a collection of this & that and I am ever drawn to antique shades - particularly light blue.

When my best friend comes over, she walks around saying, "Everything's a picture - look!" and then she'll point to my latest vignette. Well, the other day it happened by accident.

I have my teacup full of bulbs growing on the sideboard (where they can get bright light), I set out my new aqua train case (future jewelry box?) and I had left my latest knitting project on the sideboard when the phone rang. When I came back, I "saw" the picture and started arranging. The paper butterfly in the bulbs matched the yarn, the brown dirt repeated the lining of the train case and it all just looked lovely together and I had to show you.

Girl Heaven

If I could imagine the perfect girl lunch, this would be it. After touring Swan House, I drove through the grounds of the Atlanta History Center and stumbled upon a tearoom, gift shop and art gallery called Swan Coach House (the building itself was the estate's former garage and coach house).

Heart-shaped timbales filled with chicken salad, frozen fruit salad and a basket of mini-muffins all served on Swan House formal china (see the silver swan on the aqua band of my bread plate - love it)

And to drink? Punch! Seriously, when do you ever see punch on the menu these days?

There were fresh roses on every table, fabric-upholstered walls, and the place was packed. I was lucky to find a spot among the grandmothers, bridal shower bunch and friends meeting for lunch.

As I sat at my little table soaking it all in (and inspiring the next table to also photograph their lunch), I reminded myself that this is delight.

Swan House

Ah, to walk out onto the terrace with your morning cup of coffee and see this view. Your first request of the day, "Jeeves - Turn on the fountains!"

I was able to take a private tour of the Atlanta Historical Society's Swan House when I was in town last week. Sweeping lawns, tables set with fine china and opulence at every turn. It was like walking around inside a dollhouse and I loved it.

Tomorrow, see what caused me to text: "I am in girl heaven."

Food Lovers Paradise

Would you believe that this is only one of three cheese cases at the amazing Star Provisions in Atlanta? What a beautiful selection.

This amazing space combines fresh artisanal foods (cheese, seafood and bakery) with specialty items (an entire cupboard of honey products), housewares (be still my heart) and a "Provisions To Go" cafe all under one roof. There was so much to see, I continually looped the store in slow motion.

My lunch (eaten at the window counter) was a Shrimp Po Boy sandwich. It was the perfect combination of fresh & hot - absolutely delicious.

I thought I had resisted the bakery when I heard one proud employee tout his favorite cookie: a Rose Water & White Chocolate macaroon. Did someone say macaroons?

I did a quick pivot and ordered a Pistachio French macaroon from behind the glass case. It was one of the best cookies I have ever had. Chewy, sweet and nutty with a meringue-like crunch. Exceptional. I ate it on the way to the car and by the time my seat belt was fastened I wanted to go back in for another. It was that good. Maybe I need to try my hand at macaroons...

Ballard Designs

I have been ordering from the Ballard Designs' catalog for years. It's loaded with fresh beautiful items for the home, plus it's a great source for 90 inch rounds. But, like most of the world, I had never seen their wares in person. So I was thrilled when I got the chance to visit their outlet in Atlanta, Georgia last week. (My Mom has been to their retail store in Tampa - jealous!)

Of course I wanted everything, but as my suitcase was dictating my purchases, I settled on one fabulous item (which didn't end up fitting in the suitcase, after all).

I bought a wire manor house. That's right. The structure of an Italian manor house (walls, windows roof) made out of dark bent wire. I am going to set a few wispy green plants inside as "furniture" and use it as a tabletop display. I actually hope to find a small indoor vine that could cling to the wire walls as it grows. I promise to show you once I make it to the garden store. It is going to be so cute.

Paint Your Own Pottery

Recently, I had the chance to spend a Saturday morning at a "paint-your-own-pottery" shop. It was a social event hosted by the Junior League of Birmingham to build bonds between the membership and I had so much fun! Inspired by some paper butterflies I brought from home, I thought I would try my hand at making a "pretty little dish." After finishing the butterfly, I painted thin blue stripes up the outside of the bowl and covered the pedestal with polka dots. It is clean and simple and I really like it. I figure I can float a hydrangea in it, fill it with pastel M&Ms or even leave it empty to show off the inside - look for it on display here in the coming weeks.

10,000 Feet

I do some of my best thinking at 10,000 feet. While some fasten their seat belt and hunker down with a magazine, I always start any flight with a brand new notebook.

It is somehow easier for me to brainstorm designs, plot lines and color palates when I literally have a "bird's eye view" of the world.

Where do you like to think?

Ben and Bernice

Do you know what stands out to me about this picture? The smooth snow. There are no bunny tracks yet. The snow storm ended and the sun came up on this morning before Ben & Bernice made it out of their homespun hutch to investigate.

Years ago, I named the rabbits that live in our area Ben & Bernice (and dubbed their sons, Robbie & Ralphie). In the Spring and Summer they lounge on our lawn nibbling and listening, but in the wintertime, only their footprints give them away.


I have been crafting a children's story about them and the trials of learning how to "be" a rabbit. Sort of a cross between Uncle Wiggley and Anne of Green Gables - a story full of muffin baking and gentle lessons.

I hope to have it published one day...

Santa & Rachmaninoff

As we were lingering in the lobby after the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's incredible rendition of Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini," I started chatting with one of the other patrons.

My new friend opened the conversation with:
"Rachmaninoff played here, you know."

"What?" (Seriously...what!?)

"He performed here with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra back in the 1920's."

"I can't believe it," I said, "I don't even think of (Rachmaninoff) as real, you know. I think of him more like Santa."

To which he replied, "Hey...Santa's real."

"I know, I know," I said, "It's just they are both so mythological and I haven't met either one of them."

***You can see concert pianist, Olga Kern (who performed Rachmaninoff at the concert I attended) perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 on YouTube here.

Morning Muffins

I wanted to bake a delicious muffin (full of vitamins & minerals) to add variety to my morning routine. The problem is, these are so delicious, I want to eat them all day long! I hope you think so too...

Morning Muffins
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup oats
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 Tablespoon wheat germ
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (preferably Vietnamese cinnamon )
2 cups shredded carrot
1 shredded green apple
1/2 cup dark raisins
1/2 cup broken pecans
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unsweetened natural applesauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shred carrots in a food processor (measure out the 2 cups after shredding). Shred apple (including skin) in the food processor. In mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, wheat germ, salt and baking soda together. Mix in carrots, apple, raisins and pecans. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil and vanilla together. Stir egg mixture into carrot mixture and then spoon into muffin cups. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Enjoy!

The 12 Days of Valentine's Day

I am telling you now so you'll have a chance to plan...The 12 Days of Valentine's Day starts in 2 weeks.

What does this mean?
It means it's time to get out your red placemats, buy pink sprinkles at the grocery store and start thinking of ways to express your love to those around you. Friends, family, neighbors - everyone can celebrate with you.

I absolutely love Valentine's Day and could not possibly fit all the heart-shaped food, flowers and decorations I desire into just one day.

Want to see how I celebrated last year? Take a peek at my blog posts from February 3 -14, 2008.
Come celebrate The Twelve Days of Valentine's Day with me...you know you want to.

Music is a Gift

I was at the symphony on a very special night. The theme was "From Russia with Love" and I was drawn there to hear Glinka's Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla. The excitement came, however, when Alla Borzova, composer of the cantata "Songs for Lada," came on stage with Detroit Symphony Orchestra music director, Leonard Slatkin. She announced that this was the first complete performance of her cantata "Songs for Lada" (including a children's choir, soloists, symphony orchestra, poetry and Belarusian folk instruments) and that her daughter, for whom it was written, had flown in to be in the audience that night. She spoke of the themes, instruments and language of the piece before rushing up to the balcony to sit beside her daughter and listen.

Can you imagine? What an incredible moment that must have been for both of them. To begin composing music in Minsk, Belarus just after your daughter is born and then, years later, to sit and hear it performed in its entirety for the first time with your grown daughter at your side. What a gift.

Carved from Butter

I knew that I wanted to buy some roses for the house...but what color? I went in thinking lavender and came out with the most gorgeous pale yellow roses I had ever seen. They looked like they had been carved from butter.
Then I chose a teapot ("Loves Me" by Deb Moore) from the cabinet, put an empty jar inside it to hold the water and flower food and started arranging. 

I like using a jar inside because it keeps the teapot clean and food safe for tea on another day. This arrangement really brightens the living room. Love it!

Edible Art

I have a 3-tier white wire plate rack that sits on the island in my kitchen. I stack it with the fresh produce I have on hand - usually lemons & limes on the top rack, apples & pears in the middle and red skin potatoes, squash and onions on the bottom. It looks lovely and always inspires me to cook with something fresh.

What I love is that everyone mentions it when they come in the kitchen. I think they are taken aback at how pretty everyday produce can look on display. I always try to "eat around the rainbow" and keeping the color out where I can see it makes the task far easier. Are you eating enough vitamins and minerals?

An Assumption in Crafts: When My Knitting Doesn't Improve

I love to knit. But I want to be perfectly clear...I knit scarves. My knitting varies in color, texture, weight, pattern, purpose, season...but my project are always scarves and I am okay with that.  I can do the "knit stitch" back and forth and find it very relaxing.

There is an "assumption in crafts" that all skills need to be advanced. I disagree. The counting, shaping, decreasing of more advanced knitting projects takes all the fun out of it for me. I don't want to learn more right now. Maybe in twenty years I'll feel differently, but right now I love love love to knit (scarves).

So if you are like me and find your audience slightly disappointed when you answer their "What are you making?" question, remember this...

They asked because they are interested. Maybe they'd like you to teach them how to knit (scarves).

Candlelight

I think that candlelight is so pretty on a Winter evening. I have been lighting a candle every night to add a little something extra to dinner or coffee on the couch.

That being said, I have also been wanting to try making candles. Not a production line of pillars or anything. Just a few.

What could be better than transforming a favorite item into something that glows?

Do you remember this "dishes by the pound" treasure that I bought last June? I have breathed new life into it with pale pink wax. A "Soy Candle Kit" from Michael's included everything I needed: wax, candle-making thermometer, wicks and even scent & color cubes. It was easy and I must confess that not long after it set, I was trolling the house looking for other items to convert. Do you like candlelight?

Planet Sushi

I thought you might like to see a little whimsy today. Enter...smart cars with fins. These adorable pink cars zip around Paris delivering take out orders for Planet Sushi. I think this is an example of marketing at its best. California roll, anyone?

Detroit Institute of Arts

Looking for a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Plan a visit to your local art museum.

My husband & I went for the special exhibit "Monet to Dali" (loved it!) at the DIA and really enjoyed our afternoon wandering through all of the collections.

An unexpected moment (and surprisingly my favorite part) was entering the Great Hall. The museum had hung hundreds of mirrored discs from the ceiling on clear thread. As air currents moved in the grand room, the area twinkled. It was breathtaking and I managed to capture a moment on video to show you. Remember, art is everywhere.

Window Shopping

A friend had told me that the next time I was in Charleston, South Carolina, I had to make time for breakfast at Poogan's Porch. She told me that the restaurant was in an old house with a big porch and was a favorite spot of celebrities (Paul Newman, Barbara Streisand and Lauren Hutton all dine there).

So the next time I was in Charleston, I made it a point to go and believe me, the french toast is worth it! On my way to the restaurant, I passed by this darling house and had to take a photograph. It was all so well done. The shade of the house paint, the texture of plants in the window box, the fact that the tiny coral blooms reinforced the paint color, all set off by crisp black shutters. It was a little work of art and it made my day.

There is nothing like a little window shopping.

Peanut Butter Pecan cookies

In my book, Moments of Delight, I mentioned discovering a delicious peanut butter pecan cookie at a little bake shop up north and I was determined to recreate the deliciousness in my own kitchen. I finally mastered the recipe and I am sharing it with you today.

Peanut Butter Pecan cookies
1/2 cup unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup JIF reduced-fat chunky peanut butter
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 eggs
1 Tablespoon 2% milk
1 cup all purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup, chopped raw pecans (chop pieces to the size of chocolate chips)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Using an electric mixer, beat butter, salt and peanut butter together. Beat in white and brown sugar and eggs until fluffy. Beat in milk. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and chopped pecans together and add to butter mixture. Beat until incorporated. Using two spoons or a 1 ½ inch cookie scoop, place dough onto Silpat or parchment-lined cookie sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes. Allow to cool on a baking rack.

After baking, you could glaze some pecan halves in a saute pan with butter and brown sugar and then "stick" one to the top of each cookie. In this photo, I simply topped each cookie with a plain pecan half to make it pretty. These cookies are chewy and addictive! Enjoy.

See, Hear, Do

I just turned to July 2009 on my calendar and wrote "Lavender Farm" in an open space at the top. I also wrote "Sheep Festival" on the May page and "Black Raspberries" at the top of August.

Time goes so quickly and the day-to-day bustle can make it easy to miss the really special events that only happen once a year. What do you want to see, hear, do this year? Figure out when it happens and jot a note to yourself on the calendar. You'll be glad you did.

Sunlight & Fertilizer

The other day I asked my friend about her community's Garden Club. She talked of casual meetings held monthly in member's backyards. Glasses of iced tea and conversation surrounding sunlight and fertilizer.

She went on to say that they still meet in the Winter - mostly to look at pictures in garden catalogs. "It helps," she said simply. And I was reminded of the kinship between all gardeners off season.

So today I am featuring a photo of my David Austin English rose, Abraham Darby. I have loved this variety for years and can't wait to see it "in person" again.

I hope it helps.

Cath Kidston

Do you know the British designer Cath Kidston? Soft colors, pretty florals and polka dots tend to be her signature look and I love it.

This darling mint green cupboard is from her only retail store in the United States. This morning as I was drinking my coffee from one of her floral mugs (similar to those hanging from the row off hooks on top) I realized that I should show you this lovely display.

Everything tastes better on pretty dishes, don't you think?

Delight in Paris

I look at the calendar for 2009 and all I can see is Paris.

I am registered for a small week-long cooking class with award-winning cookbook author and teacher Patricia Wells and I am so excited I can hardly see straight.

The markets, pastries and windows of Paris are calling - but I will have to be patient untill May.

You know what is funny? I can't wait to see my own photos!

Monogrammed Scarf

What do I do on a snowy Saturday morning? Embellish!

Last October, I walked into a discount clothing store (TJ Maxx) and was handed a small gift bag with this amethyst scarf inside. As a promotion to highlight their new "high-end" fashion section, every customer that afternoon was given a scarf. I've been considering how to make it my own for months. Then last night it struck me - a beaded monogram would be subtle, but beautiful. I printed off a giant "R" on my computer, drew it free-hand in ink and started sewing on beads. The trick is attaching about 20 beads, then tying off. It makes me feel better knowing that if one thread breaks later, the entire letter won't fall off and I'll be able to repair it. I may use something on the back to secure the stitches...Fray Check?

I love how this looks!

Color of the Year

The color yellow "Mimosa" has been selected by Pantone as the Color of the Year for 2009.

I am sure that you will start to notice splashes of yellow everywhere now. Yellow rain boots, stationary, cardigans and totes are all showing up in stores and online. Have fun with it - yellow is meant to inspire and uplift.

I've got an idea...when you are hosting friends for brunch this Spring, serve mimosas! You can tell everyone that they are drinking the color of the year.

Cheers!